1. What is an Extended Essay in History?
Please be very clear that you understand that a History EE is not just about answering a burning question that you may have about the past. They are really looking for you to demonstrate an understanding of the process used by historians - your essay will be judged according to whether it demonstrates: original research, use of primary and secondary sources, use of the most relevant historiography, challenges to historian's views and ideas as appropriate/part of your argument, an appreciation of why a particular historian/primary source would hold a view and used as part of your argument.
This is, of course, in addition to producing a well focused analytical overall argument that answers an interesting historical question.
You should not complete and EE form until you have read more about this in the IBO document below:
This is, of course, in addition to producing a well focused analytical overall argument that answers an interesting historical question.
You should not complete and EE form until you have read more about this in the IBO document below:

ee_history_guide.pdf | |
File Size: | 378 kb |
File Type: |
2. What are the three 'Reflection Points'?
At three points during the process you will have a formal meeting with your supervisor and complete this form. This will be submitted with your Extended Essay and will be used to inform the grading of the 'Engagement' criteria.

ee_reflection_form.pdf | |
File Size: | 617 kb |
File Type: |
3. What are the assessment criteria?
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
4. What will be the likely process for History students?

ee_checkpoints_for_history.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
5. 'B' Grade Exemplar with examiner feedback (note this is from the IB and therefore is not compliant with MLA8 - your's must be).

ee_hist_examplea_e__1_.pdf | |
File Size: | 855 kb |
File Type: |
Examiner Feedback:
Overall: 23/28
The topic is identified and the research question is appropriate and stated clearly. Context is given and its significance explained. A focus on the research question is maintained effectively throughout the essay with frequent linkage to the topic. The structure is clear and, for the most part, each argument is explained and supported with sources used effectively, as indicated in the introduction. The knowledge demonstrated is relevant and of a good standard, but not always as thorough as it might be given the quantity of material that has been published on this period of Soviet history. Molotov’s adherence to ideology, for example, could be better explained and more fully supported. Similarly, a better understanding of Stalin’s inner circle (not just Molotov) would have been useful, to add further context. Appropriate terminology is used accurately and effectively. The level of research carried out is good and the material is analysed in a way that is clearly relevant to the question. Conclusions for individual points of analysis are stated, but not always effectively with some assertions rather weakly supported. There is an effective and reasoned argument attempted throughout, but the evaluation of sources is somewhat neglected. Several opportunities to strengthen analysis are missed. The formal presentation is very good and the layout supports the reading and understanding of the essay.
Overall: 23/28
The topic is identified and the research question is appropriate and stated clearly. Context is given and its significance explained. A focus on the research question is maintained effectively throughout the essay with frequent linkage to the topic. The structure is clear and, for the most part, each argument is explained and supported with sources used effectively, as indicated in the introduction. The knowledge demonstrated is relevant and of a good standard, but not always as thorough as it might be given the quantity of material that has been published on this period of Soviet history. Molotov’s adherence to ideology, for example, could be better explained and more fully supported. Similarly, a better understanding of Stalin’s inner circle (not just Molotov) would have been useful, to add further context. Appropriate terminology is used accurately and effectively. The level of research carried out is good and the material is analysed in a way that is clearly relevant to the question. Conclusions for individual points of analysis are stated, but not always effectively with some assertions rather weakly supported. There is an effective and reasoned argument attempted throughout, but the evaluation of sources is somewhat neglected. Several opportunities to strengthen analysis are missed. The formal presentation is very good and the layout supports the reading and understanding of the essay.
6. Getting Started
Upload these documents to Google Drive, insert them into a folder and share with your supervisor. This will allow you both to keep track of progress and have ongoing conversations.
Your supervisor will go through the process with you, but refer to the checkpoint document for a broad outline.
Your supervisor will go through the process with you, but refer to the checkpoint document for a broad outline.
![]()
|
![]()
|

3._ee_research_frame_for_history.docx | |
File Size: | 22 kb |
File Type: | docx |